Purcell High School Contact Info
Email: sandersj@purcellps.org
Website: https://www.purcellps.org/o/phs
Location: 2020 North Green Avenue, Purcell, OK, USA
Phone: 405-442-0099
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purcellhs
Twitter: @purcellhsdrgns
Message from the Principal
The Benefits of Career Pathways
As we move closer to the exciting end of year calendar and the celebration of high school graduation, I always enjoy asking seniors about their upcoming plans. Whether it's straight to work, college, technical school, or the military, it's rewarding to hear about their upcoming plans. For the first time in their lives they have real choices about the pathway they choose. It also reminds me of how important it is to think about the career pathways we build for our younger students. Schools traditionally create clear pathways for our higher achieving students, including college preparatory classes and college counseling. However we often forget the college pathway doesn't necessarily serve all of our students.
I'm committed to the purpose of providing every student a clear pathway to a successful career whether they plan to attend college, acquire a technical skill, or choose to serve their country in the military. Under the leadership of Amber Findley, PHS Internship Coordinator, our Internship program has grown from 23 students in 2020 to 65 students this year. Our goal is for every high school senior to graduate with at least one work internship experience. An internship experience provides students a glimpse into the world of work. For some students it may open their eyes to new interests or it may lead them to choose a new career.
Our students can access the wonderful programs offered at Mid-America Technology Center beginning their junior year. Many students can graduate after two years of Career Tech training and transition directly to the workforce and earn a strong salary. Our goal is to build programs on the high school campus that can provide a direct pipeline from school to work for our students who don't opt for college. These type of programs require a re-thinking of the purpose of learning and school and also require students to determine much earlier a career or college pathway.
As a result it's more critical today for students to think earlier, even before high school, about their future pathways. I'm not saying students need to decide in 8th grade whether they intend to go to college. However schools must evolve to offer students on a non-college pathway the skills and knowledge they need to transition to adulthood. Consequently we must engage students at an earlier age about what pathway best serves their interests and needs.
The jobs of the 21st century are rapidly changing. More students today can find rewarding job opportunities that don't require a college degree. As a school we must evolve and provide new learning pathways that serve the needs of all students.
Jason
cell phone number: 918-873-0354
School Safety Updates: Security Lockdown Drill this Week / Spring Weather Awareness
- We will conduct a safety lock in (soft lockdown) drill this week during lunch. The drill will occur Wednesday at 12:05. Many of the students will be off campus for lunch. This is an unstructured time of day when students are either in the commons, lunchroom, gym, or in front of the building. We will move all students to secured areas and secure the building. We will notify students prior to the drill to alert off-campus lunch students that we will be conducting a drill during lunch
- I know we all enjoyed the perfect weather last week. However I want to remind everyone to be weather aware during the spring. We are expecting a more active weather pattern over the next week.
- Please remember the high school does not have FEMA qualified "safe rooms" and we are NOT a public shelter. We utilize designated "areas of refuge."
- All parents and visitors are required to check in to the front office upon entering our school. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Counselor's Updates: End of Testing / Scholarship Deadlines / Spring Map Testing
- We completed all state required testing this week. A huge thanks to Melissa Feroli, PHS Counselor and testing coordinator. Melissa does a great job organizing all testing and minimizing disruptions to our school. She deserves a ton of credit. We also appreciate all teachers and staff for their support, help, and flexibility.
- To recap state testing requirements. All juniors completed the ACT, Science, and U.S History assessments. These are state requirements to graduate and are reflected on their transcripts
- I've copied a picture below of remaining scholarship deadlines for seniors. Please note the upcoming deadline
- I will send freshman and sophomore parents the Family Reports for their students Spring MAP testing results over the next few weeks. Remember all freshman and sophomores are assessed three times each year for growth in Reading & Math. These results will provide parents insight to your student's learning and the growth or lack of growth they have experienced this year.
PAVE (Purcell Academic Virtual Experience) Virtual School Options
- PHS offers a Full Virtual, Blended, and Credit Recovery learning platforms.
- All Full Virtual, Blended and Credit Recovery learning courses are facilitated through Odysseyware Online learning platform. However we will be transitioning after this year to Edgenuity as our online learning platform.
- Melissa Feroli (PHS Counselor & Alternative Education Director) is in charge of PAVE Virtual, Blended, and Credit Recovery platforms.
- Greg Dillard is the PHS PAVE Coordinator and supervises all students in full virtual or blended learning platforms. He has 5 years plus experience managing online courses.
- Students must be approved for Virtual or Blended learning by Ms. Feroli and Mr. Dillard
- Students and parents must complete an Application and Contract to be admitted to our Full Virtual Learning platform. (all learning takes place off campus).
- Students and parents do not need to complete an application to enroll in Blended learning classes (students take some courses online yet still attend in-person school)
- Students and parents must sign the PAVE Learning Contract to participate in Blended or Credit Recovery online courses.
- Please see the PHS PAVE Handbook for more specific information linked below.
- There are restrictions on the number of students who can be admitted to the Full Virtual Program.
Students must enroll during the first 10 school days of a semester. After that period, enrollment in the FTV program will not be permitted without permission from the building principal.
Great teachers Build Relationships & Design Engaging Learning Experiences
I was a classroom teacher for 17 years. It was truly the hardest job I've ever loved. Teaching has always been a challenging job but today's teachers are faced with obstacles that have made a difficult job even more challenging. Today's students were raised on technology and can be a tough crowd to keep engaged. Unfortunately some of our state leaders have decided attacking teachers is a wise educational policy (I can't explain this one.) Finally the skills and knowledge needed by 21st century workers have forced schools to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
However the main components of great teaching have not changed. Students are more likely to experience meaningful learning when they have established relationships with teachers and are engaged in a lesson. Student engagement happens when they find the learning relevant to their own lives and ultimately can apply the knowledge and skills they've acquired.
Let me share with you some of my observations of our teachers building great relationships and providing students meaningful learning experiences:
- Jasmine Quinonez Honors Freshman English course acted out scenes, complete with styrofoam swords, from Romeo and Juliet. Jasmine used fun and engaging strategies to help students navigate the Shakespearean language and dialogue.
- It's always a pleasure to stop and watch our PHS Band practice & learn during 1st hour. Whether it's marching or concert season, David Hilger and Bryson Tuttle provide our Band students a place to be themselves and thrive as learners and performers.
- Roger Raper has taught a PE course this year and does such a wonderful job helping ALL students feel like they are important and matter in our school. I'm grateful for the kindness and warmth he displays to all of our students.
- Sam Resendiz teachers Junior English and last week she organized an escape room learning activity for students studying the Great Gatsby. Sam is a first year teacher but already has demonstrated an ability to design outside-the-box learning experiences.
After-School Tutoring Available to ALL Students
Parent and Student Portal Access
Please complete this form linked here if you are need of a Parent Portal Account:
https://forms.gle/kcw4yFh9UghpFKW76
If you have any problems accessing Parent Portal please contact the school directly: (405) 442-0099
